And here it is! our very last wedding of 2016 and
what a wedding it was to end on!

Kate and Geoff live just around the corner from Launcells Barton, with the place holding a special place in Kate’s heart. After finding out shortly after getting engaged that we were renovating the farm to offer weddings, Kate and Geoff knew straight away that they wanted their wedding here!

Kate and Geoff first met or rather spoke 6 years ago, when Geoff rang kate’s office with a business enquiry. He was smitten straight away with the friendly, charming girl on the end of the phone, but it wasn’t until months later, at a party, that Geoff discovered that he was speaking to the same girl that he had taken a shine to on the phone months earlier!

With the couple having a rather large wedding guest list and the New Events Barn not opening until 2017, Kate and Geoff asked if they could have a marquee for their wedding breakfast and use the grounds and Mill Barn for their welcome drinks reception, as well as the house for their close family and friends to stay. It was a pleasure working with Kate and Geoff as they were so relaxed and had complete faith in our vision for the place, popping in every few months to see the progress.

Kate and Geoff’s family and friends all got really stuck in and helped the couple to set up before the wedding. They even raided Kate’s mum’s garden of all her potted plants to decorate the entrance to the marquee!. I love that the couple included all guests in their day, even the little ones by giving them their own “kids corner”
Kate had a tree that had fallen down and she wanted to use the branches as a canopy in the marquee. All her friends and family were drafted in to strip the branches of leaves and although it took at least a day to do, the result was simply breathtaking! The lovely ladies from Bleujen Florists brought the place to life by styling the branches and tables with beautiful blooms. All I heard as people walked in was “WOW!!”

Geoff got ready at his home, while Kate got ready surrounded by her family, bridesmaids and some rather cute flower girls. It was so relaxed with everyone laughing, joking and enjoying a glass of bubbly as they got ready!

Just as Kate was about to leave the house and make her way to the church, the heavens opened and it tipped down with rain. I just couldn’t let that beautiful dress get wet, so picked up the dress and assisted Kate to the car as I knew her Bridemaids were already waiting down in the church for her. I asked Kate if she would like me to run down and meet her at the church to help her out, but Kate simply said “don’t be silly, get in the car with us” It was an honour to be in the bridal car and enjoy that special moment as the Bride made her way to the church with her father. As Kate made it to the church door and I was just about to run back up to Launcells Barton to make sure the welcome drinks were being set up, Kate asked if I would like to stay and watch the ceremony! It was an absolute pleasure to watch such a wonderful couple saying their vows to one another!

Not only had the couple been busy organising their wedding this year, but also opening a brand new garage workshop just across the road from Launcells Barton. With the garage being such a massive part of their lives, they wanted to include their business in their day, so after the ceremony Kate and Geoff drove their beautiful red vintage Porshe to the garage, for some time, just the two of them! I simply adore the photos in the workshop!

While the couple enjoyed some time alone, guests enjoyed drinks and canapés in the courtyard and Mill Barn, with the Bride and Groom joining them soon after for a glass of fizz!

As the guests made their way through the garden into the marquee, it gave the Bride and Groom the perfect chance to take a moment together, before heading over to be welcomed by their guests!

Oaktree Occasions provided the catering and really made the whole meal so much fun! Each table was served a whole roast joint, but it was up to the designated carver on each table who wore their own apron and chefs hat, to serve each guest. We were lucky enough to be offered a plate full and I can honestly say that I haven’t tasted a roast that good in a very long time! It was amazing and certainly got us ready to welcome another 150 guests to the evening!

Kate and Geoff’s vision for their wedding, was very simple. They wanted great food and to keep the drinks flowing, with fantastic company! Well they certainly achieved that! The day had a fantastic atmosphere and Kate and Geoff were beaming all day! It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of the wedding and the lead up to it. With family and friends even welcoming both Matt and I to enjoy aspects of the day with them! We wish Kate and Geoff all the happiness in the world as they start their married life together!

The beautiful images that you see are all thanks to Pete Cox Photography. He captured the couple and the day just perfectly with his natural, relaxed approach to photography.

A few words from Kate: “We fell in love with Launcells Barton at our first viewing. The owners, Matthew and Lara, have put so much love and effort into creating the most perfect of wedding venues. Relaxed, yet efficient, they put you at ease with their willingness to please and friendly can-do attitude. Nothing is too much trouble and they are on hand to help and advise from the day you book, right up to your wedding day. Throughout the actual day, Matthew and Lara made sure that all aspects ran smoothly with no disruption to ourselves or our guests. Lara even got soaked helping me into the car whilst it was raining so that my dress and I stayed dry. “It’s been almost month now since our wedding and we’re still receiving comments from our friends and family complimenting Launcells Barton on their fabulous service and striking setting. We really did have the best weekend, above and beyond all our expectations.”